Tsipras Rejects Samaras Coalition Gov Offer, Will Turn Down Mandate to Form Gov

Alexis Tsipras, leader of left-wing SYRIZA that emerged second at the Sunday elections, rejected the offer of winner Antonis Samaras to participate in a coalition government.

After the meeting with Samaras, Tsipras told reporters that ND offered Greeks voters a different strategy than the one offered by SYRIZA. Therefore it is not possible to support a ND-led government.

“SYRIZA will have the role of a strong opposition party that controls the government,” Tsipras declared.

At the same time he stressed, that should Samaras fail in his mandate and the President gives the mandate of government formation to Tsipras, SYRIZA will not accept it. “We will not undertake exploratory talks,” Tsipras stated.

From a clearly defined opposition role, Tsipras urged Samaras to form a government as soon as possible.